Members of the punk group vow to continue their 'musical fight in Russia'

Pussy Riot have delivered a message to their supporters via NME – which you can watch above.

The video features members of the Russian punk collective abseiling down a wall before setting fire to an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We’ve been fighting for the right to sing, to think, to criticise,” they say. “To be musicians and artists ready to do everything to change our country. No matter the risks, we go on with our musical fight in Russia”. They then thank their supporters, adding:

Thank you Madonna, thank you Red Hot Chili Peppers, thank you Bjork, thank you Green Day…Thank you to all musicians, activists and everyone around the world who have stood up together to fight for our right to be free.

Showing a burning effigy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the women then say: “Our country is dominated by evil men. These men think it’s illegal to call yourself a feminist, to sing punk music. These men think it’s illegal to stand up for the rights of the gay and lesbian community. These men think that you can’t critisice your government. These men think that if you sing and dance in an inappropriate way, you get two years in prison.”

“Start the pussy riot and never stop,” they conclude. “The fight for freedom is an endless battle that is bigger than life.”

Sharethrough (Mobile)

Last week, the three jailed members of Pussy Riot appealed against their sentence. They received two-year prison sentences on August 17 after being found guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. They were arrested in February after they staged a flashmob style performance at Moscow’s Church Of Christ The Saviour, protesting against the Orthodox Christian church’s support of president Vladimir Putin.

Pussy Riot wore their signature balaclavas during the performance and the remaining two group members who took part in the protest were able to avoid being identified and arrested. However, after Russian police confirmed that they were still searching for the elusive protesters, two members of the group have since managed to escape Russia.